02/10/25 - #323

Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Chocolate Recall Elevated to Highest Risk Level by FDA Due to Risk of 'Adverse Health Consequences’

• Healthy Returns: Why People Quit Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs Within One Year

• FDA Approves New Type of Non-opioid Pain Medication

• FDA Approves Novo Nordisk’s Diabetes Drug Ozempic for Chronic Kidney Disease, Expanding Its Use

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Chocolate Recall Elevated to Highest Risk Level by FDA Due to Risk of 'Adverse Health Consequences’

A big chocolate recall by Cal Yee Farm LLC has become more urgent. The FDA, which makes sure food is safe, has put this recall at the highest risk level, Class 1. This means there is a big risk of dangerous health problems if people eat these products.

The recall includes Yogurt Coated Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Tropical Trail Mix, and Dark Chocolate Walnuts. They were recalled because they have milk that wasn’t listed on the label. People who are allergic to milk could get very sick.

Other products like New Orleans Hot Mix and Hot Cajun Sesame Sticks are also at Class 1 now because they have wheat and soybean oil that were not on the label.

These snacks were sold in nine states and online. They were in clear bags with yellow labels, in sizes from eight ounces to five pounds.

So far, nobody has gotten sick from these snacks. The recall started after an FDA inspection found that these snacks were in packages that didn’t show they had milk, soy, wheat, sesame, a synthetic dye, and almonds.

This is one of many serious recalls this year, showing why it's very important for food to have the right labels and for companies to check their products carefully.

Source: independent.co.uk

WEIGHT LOSS

Healthy Returns: Why People Quit Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs Within One Year

Weight loss and diabetes medications, like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, are gaining popularity. These drugs, often costing about $1,000 a month, are sometimes covered by insurance for diabetes but rarely for obesity. Despite their benefits, many people stop using these drugs within a year. Here's why.

A study in the medical journal JAMA Network Open reveals that around 65% of patients without diabetes stop taking these drugs within a year. For those with diabetes, the number is slightly lower at about 46%. The main reasons? Side effects and high costs. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, which can be tough to handle.

Income levels also play a role. People with higher incomes are less likely to stop the drugs, especially those with diabetes. This could be due to the ability to better manage costs and side effects.

Interestingly, the study also noted that patients who see significant weight loss are more likely to continue the treatment. Those who gain weight after stopping are often willing to give it another try. This suggests that seeing results can motivate people to stick with these challenging treatments.

The findings come from a review of health records of over 125,000 adults who started these medications between 2018 and 2023. It shows the tricky balance of benefits, side effects, and costs. This balance affects whether people keep taking their medication or stop.

Source: cnbc.com

HEALTH

FDA Approves New Type of Non-opioid Pain Medication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new pain reliever called Journavx (suzetrigine). This new drug is special because it does not contain opioids, which are common in pain medicine but can be very addictive and dangerous. Journavx offers adults a safer way to manage acute pain, like the kind you might feel after surgery.

Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, “This approval is a big step in pain management. It gives patients a safe and effective option without the risks linked to opioids.”

Opioids, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, are a big issue in the U.S. In 2022, around 108,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. Of these, about 76% were linked to opioids. Journavx could help lower these numbers by offering an alternative.

Journavx was tested in two major studies on people who had surgery and were in pain. It worked better than a placebo, a pill that has no medicine in it. Patients will take a 50-milligram tablet of Journavx every 12 hours, starting with a higher dose at first.

This is the first new painkiller of its kind approved in the U.S. in almost 30 years. It shows the FDA's dedication to finding safer ways to help people manage their pain.

Source: thehill.com

FDA Approves Novo Nordisk’s Diabetes Drug Ozempic for Chronic Kidney Disease, Expanding Its Use

The FDA has approved a diabetes drug called Ozempic, made by Novo Nordisk, to now treat chronic kidney disease in people who have diabetes. This decision is big news because it could change the way doctors treat this serious condition.

Chronic kidney disease is a major health issue in the U.S., affecting about 37 million people. It occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their function. This can cause serious health issues, like kidney failure and heart disease. Many people with Type 2 diabetes—about 40%—also get kidney disease.

Ozempic helps people manage diabetes. It controls blood sugar and aids in weight loss. Recent studies found that Ozempic can also slow down kidney disease. It lowers the chances of getting really sick from kidney or heart problems by 24% compared to not using the drug. It also reduces the risk of heart attacks by 18% and lowers the risk of dying from any cause by 20%.

Ozempic's approval allows people to avoid severe treatments, such as dialysis. Dialysis cleans the blood when kidneys fail. It's a significant step in helping people with both diabetes and kidney disease live better and healthier lives.

Ozempic isn’t just for diabetes. It’s also key in treating serious health problems, like kidney disease. This is good news for patients, as it offers a way to manage multiple health problems with just one treatment.

Source: cnbc.com

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.